Karachi Test shifted to Rawalpindi
The Test match was initially scheduled to be played without fans due to renovation work at the National Bank Stadium. Photo: Hamza Khan
Due to the deployment of heavy construction equipment and the need to adhere to tight redevelopment schedules for the National Bank Stadium, which is being prepared for next year's ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, has decided to move the second ICC World Test Championship fixture to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
This decision allows cricket spectators and fans to watch live action of both the Tests, which serve as a preview of a busy and hectic international season for Pakistan cricket. During this period, the national side will play a total of nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs from 21 August to 5 April.
"We have been guided by the construction experts on the timelines for the readiness of the venue. They advised that while construction could continue during playing hours, the resulting noise pollution would disturb the cricketers. Additionally, the dust from the construction work could also affect the health and wellbeing of the players, officials, broadcasters, and media.
"Given that construction must continue uninterrupted to ensure the venue is operationally ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB, after consulting all stakeholders and reviewing operational and logistical matters, has decided to hold both Tests in Rawalpindi.
"At this stage, we will not like to speculate on the hosting of the second Test in Karachi from 15-19 October and will continue to work closely with the architects and construction experts on the safe and secure hosting of the match, while keeping the England and Wales Cricket Board updated."
The first Test will begin in Rawalpindi on 21 August, with the second Test starting on 30 August.
Meanwhile, in Islamabad, Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh 'A' will continue with their series. After a drawn first four-day match, the second four-day match will commence on 20 August at the Islamabad Club, followed by three 50-over matches on 26, 28 and 30 August.
Earlier, Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has criticized the PCB for scheduling the second Test against Bangladesh to be played behind closed doors.
Akmal expressed his discontent in a video on his YouTube channel, saying it was embarrassing for Pakistan cricket to stage a Test match without spectators. He suggested that the match could have been held at Faisalabad or Multan, which have quality stadiums and supportive crowds.
"The second Test match will be played in Karachi. So I think you know that there is a renovation going on in Karachi. They are preparing a stadium for the Champions Trophy. So it will be a joke of Pakistan that Test matches are being played in Pakistan without a crowd. And we don't just have 2-3 stadiums, we also have Faisalabad Stadium. We could have played there too, it is a top-class stadium. So much cricket has happened there.
"After that, there is a stadium in Multan. And you know that Multan stadium is very good. And the crowd also comes there. So you know that this is your stadium, you could have put another Test match on one of these two venues. So it would have been good. So I think it will be an international joke of our cricket. These things should not happen. So let's see why this venue has been decided," Akmal said.
"We already know that this stadium will be broken. A new one will be made. So why didn't they put all these things in front and make a decision? You will see how much our cricket brand has gone down internationally," he added.